Top 10 Companies in the Lignocellulosic Biomass Market (2026): Industry Leaders Driving the Bio-Economy

In Business Insights
January 26, 2026


The Global Lignocellulosic Biomass Market was valued at USD 28.9 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 47.3 Billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.4% during the forecast period. This robust expansion is fueled by the global transition to a circular bio-economy, stringent environmental regulations favoring renewable resources, and significant technological advancements in biomass conversion processes.

As industries worldwide seek sustainable alternatives to fossil-based feedstocks, the focus intensifies on the key players transforming agricultural residues, wood waste, and energy crops into valuable biofuels, biochemicals, and biomaterials. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Lignocellulosic Biomass Industry—a dynamic mix of chemical giants, energy innovators, and specialized biorefineries shaping a greener future.


🔟 1. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Bio-based Chemicals, Enzymatic Solutions, Biomass Conversion Catalysts

BASF is a global chemical leader with a strong commitment to sustainability, actively developing and scaling processes to utilize lignocellulosic biomass. The company invests heavily in R&D for converting non-food biomass into a wide range of chemicals and materials, leveraging its expertise in catalysis and biotechnology.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of novel catalysts for efficient biomass conversion

  • Partnerships with agricultural sectors for sustainable feedstock sourcing

  • Target of achieving CO2-neutral growth by 2030

Download FREE Sample Report: Lignocellulosic Biomass Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. Novozymes A/S

Headquarters: Bagsværd, Denmark
Key Offering: Enzymatic Cocktails for Biomass Hydrolysis, Microbial Solutions

Novozymes is a world leader in biological solutions, providing the critical enzyme technologies needed to break down the complex structures of lignocellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars. Their products are essential for cost-effective production of second-generation biofuels and biochemicals.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Pioneering high-efficiency enzyme blends for biomass pretreatment

  • Collaborations with bio-refineries worldwide to optimize sugar yields


8️⃣ 3. DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Cellulosic Ethanol Technology, Biomass Fermentation Solutions

DuPont has been a pioneer in cellulosic biofuels, having developed and demonstrated large-scale technology for converting agricultural residues into ethanol. Their integrated process design and expertise in industrial biotechnology position them as a key technology provider.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plant operations

  • R&D focused on broadening the portfolio of biomass-derived products


7️⃣ 4. Beta Renewables (M&G Chemicals)

Headquarters: Tortona, Italy
Key Offering: PROESA® Technology Platform for Lignocellulosic Biorefining

Beta Renewables, part of M&G Chemicals, is renowned for its proprietary PROESA® technology, a highly efficient and cost-competitive process for producing bioethanol and other chemicals from non-food biomass. They were among the first to commercialize second-generation biofuel technology at scale.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • World’s first commercial-scale cellulosic biofuel plant using wheat straw

  • Focus on converting low-value agricultural waste into high-value outputs

Download FREE Sample Report: Lignocellulosic Biomass Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. Poet-DSM Advanced Biofuels

Headquarters: Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
Key Offering: LIBERTY® Technology for Cellulosic Ethanol Production

This joint venture between Poet, one of the world’s largest ethanol producers, and DSM, a global science-based company, successfully commercializes technology for converting corn crop residue into cellulosic ethanol. Their Project LIBERTY facility is a benchmark in the industry.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Commercial production of cellulosic ethanol from agricultural waste

  • Continuous innovation to reduce production costs and improve sustainability


5️⃣ 6. Clariant AG

Headquarters: Muttenz, Switzerland
Key Offering: Sunliquid® Technology for Cellulosic Sugars and Ethanol

Clariant is a specialty chemicals company that has developed its sunliquid® technology for the conversion of agricultural residues into cellulosic sugars and ethanol. The process is designed for high yields, energy efficiency, and integration into existing infrastructure.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Commissioning of commercial-scale sunliquid® plant in Romania

  • Focus on creating localized value chains for biomass sourcing and processing


4️⃣ 7. Abengoa Bioenergy

Headquarters: Seville, Spain
Key Offering: Integrated Biorefinery Technology, Biofuel Production

Abengoa has been a significant player in developing and operating biorefineries that utilize lignocellulosic biomass. The company has extensive experience in thermochemical and biochemical conversion pathways, although it has undergone restructuring to focus on its most viable technologies.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of one of the first commercial cellulosic ethanol plants in the U.S.

  • Expertise in handling diverse biomass feedstocks


3️⃣ 8. GranBio

Headquarters: São Paulo, Brazil
Key Offering: Biofuels, Biochemicals from Sugarcane Biomass

GranBio is a Brazilian industrial biotechnology company that leverages the country’s vast sugarcane industry to produce second-generation ethanol and other biochemicals from sugarcane straw and bagasse. They are a key player in the South American market.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Pioneering cellulosic ethanol production in Latin America

  • Strategic partnerships to license its technology globally


2️⃣ 9. Fulcrum BioEnergy, Inc.

Headquarters: Pleasanton, California, USA
Key Offering: Waste-to-Fuels Technology, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Fulcrum BioEnergy is innovating by using a thermochemical process to convert municipal solid waste—a form of lignocellulosic biomass—into low-carbon transportation fuels, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This approach addresses waste management and fuel production simultaneously.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Building Sierra BioFuels Plant, one of the first commercial-scale waste-to-fuels facilities

  • Long-term feedstock agreements with waste management companies


1️⃣ 10. UPM Biofuels

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Key Offering: Wood-based Biodiesel, Renewable Fuels

UPM, a leading forest industry group, operates a world-class biorefinery in Finland that converts crude tall oil, a residue from pulp production, into advanced biofuels. They are also advancing projects to produce biofuels from wood-based lignocellulosic feedstocks.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Lappeenranta biorefinery producing wood-based renewable diesel

  • Commitment to developing new value chains from sustainable forestry

Read Full Report: Lignocellulosic Biomass Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌱 Outlook: The Future of Lignocellulosic Biomass Is Integrated and High-Value

The lignocellulosic biomass market is experiencing a fundamental transformation. While bioenergy remains a primary driver, the industry is rapidly evolving toward integrated biorefineries that produce a spectrum of high-value products, from bio-plastics to specialty chemicals, thereby enhancing economic viability and sustainability.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Accelerated deployment of integrated biorefineries for multi-product output

  • Policy support and blending mandates for advanced biofuels in the EU, US, and Asia

  • Breakthroughs in enzymatic and thermochemical conversion efficiency

  • Strategic alliances between chemical companies, energy firms, and agricultural stakeholders

Read Full Report: Lignocellulosic Biomass Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only processing biomass—they are engineering the foundation of the circular bio-economy.